LAHORE:
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed the authorities concerned to launch a comprehensive plan to support farmers in order to increase wheat production.
During a briefing, she agreed to a proposal to provide interest-free loans of Rs100 billion to farmers before wheat sowing.
She directed the authorities to take measures to reduce the cost of agricultural inputs before wheat sowing in Punjab. She also ordered abundant availability of fertiliser before the sowing, and said, “Targeted subsidy should be given to small wheat farmers for relief.”
The chief minister said, “Timely sowing of wheat is essential for better production in Punjab.”
She was informed that subsidy worth Rs63 billion had been provided to farmers in Punjab in two months. Farmers obtained interest-free loans of Rs50 billion through the Kisan Card.
She noted, “A subsidy of Rs13 billion was given under the Chief Minister’s Wheat Support Programme, and the use of fertilisers, especially DAP, has increased in Punjab due to the Kisan Card Project.”
She vowed that the government would provide full support to wheat farmers.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said on the occasion, “Punjab’s farmers receive the best facilities and government support.”
